Here are some products that caregivers can use to keep their elderly loved ones from falling.

Monitors/sensor pads. Sensors work well for the bed, chair, or toilet. The pads electronically detect the absence of pressure, which in turn sends an electronic signal to the monitor setting off an alarm. Used on a bed, the pressure pads can be under or on top of the mattress. They are very thin, so they do not disturb sleeping and are plugged into the monitor via a telephone type line. Chair and toilet sensors work in the same way.

There are also pad/monitors that detect and sound an alarm if a person steps on the pad (detects pressure). This type of pad can be used beside the bed, in a hallway or in front of a chair while the person is seated.

Fall mats. Fall mats are used in areas where a person could be injured from a fall on a hard floor such as the side of a bed, by a toilet or in front of a chair. They are cushioned floor mats of various sizes 1-inch†or 2-inches thick with beveled edges. They cushion the fall and prevent injuries.

Shower chair or transfer bench. When getting in and out of the tub, transfer benches provide stability and help the caregiver get the elderly in and out of the tub safely, without injuring the elderly person or the caregiver.

Anti-slip mats. Install these on the bath tub or shower floor. The hard rubber material prevents the elderly person from slipping and provides stability.

Canes and walkers. They help seniors feel steady on their feet. Make sure the mobility device you choose is the correct height for your elderly parent, and has rubber tip or other traction on the bottom, for safety.

Socks, shoes and slippers. Wearing properly fitted, low-heeled, non-slip footwear for walking and transferring provides traction and is much safer than going barefoot. Many socks and shoes are available with non-skid treads on the bottom, to keep your elderly parents safe and help reduce slipping accidents.†Avoid slippers that can easily slip on and off.

Lift slings. Lift slings are used to move an elderly person who is unable to move themselves from bed to a wheelchair or chair. There are 3 common reasons that caregivers may need a lift: if the elderly parent is too heavy to be transferred without assistance; to prevent injury to the caregiver; and to prevent the elderly person from injury or falling.

GREAT STORY, RIGHT?

Share it with your friends

40 comments

I'VE CARED FOR AN 88 YEAR OLD FOR TWO YEARS NOW. HER FAMILY WANTS HER TO EXERCISE MORE, BUT HER DIZZINESS FROM INCONTINENCE, ARTHRITIS & ENDEMA & HER CELL DEGENERATION & OVER ALL EXHAUSTION FROM LIVING MAKES HER VERY WEAK. I THINK WE NEED TO ACCESS THE INDIVIDUAL BEFORE WE MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS. WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT AND AGE DIFFERENTLY. GOOD ARTICLE THOUGH. THXS!

Encourage mobility -
a bird feeder outside the window across the room, a flower garden, a visit from a young friend or gandchild (who wants to go see something).
Provide cart so elder can move the laundry, recycling, library books, mail in and out.